Malloy is unapologetic about proposing higher taxes on everything from personal income to haircuts. While calling for $2 billion in savings and labor concessions over two years from state employees, the state's first Democratic governor in two decades admits he doesn't want to carry through on a threat to lay off thousands if a deal can't be reached.

Malloy also says he doesn't dislike government — a defiant political statement these days given the national tea party movement and demands for major cuts in government spending.